Connections - July 2012

Do Your Part for Kids with Cancer

There are two fun ways to enjoy Buffalo’s waterfront and help support pediatric cancer research and programs this summer: Summer Splash on Friday, August 10, and the 10th annual Carly’s Crossing on Sunday, August 12. Whether you’re looking for a chic cocktail party or a family-friendly day at the beach, your support will make an important impact on the lives of children with cancer.

Walk to Make a Difference for Breast Cancer Patients

We all know someone whose life has been touched by breast cancer. Pay tribute to them and to all breast cancer patients at the Bosom Buddies Walk 2012. All proceeds from this scenic walking event through East Aurora will benefit the WNY Breast Resource Center at Roswell Park.

Healthfront

Dental Woes Linked to Cancer Risk

The health of your teeth and gums may have a bigger impact on your health than you think, according to a study that found an association between dental health and cancer mortality.

In a study published in BMJ Open, Swedish researchers followed 1,400 adults for 24 years, examining the participants for dental plaque buildup, tartar, gum disease and tooth loss. Subjects were also surveyed about smoking habits and other cancer risk factors. The findings indicate that people with high amounts of dental plaque were 79 percent more likely to die prematurely, from cancer, even after controlling for other risk factors. Although the study did not examine the cause for the association, experts suggest it may be related to the presence of plaque-causing bacteria, which may contribute to underlying inflammation.

“The oral environment contains both essential microorganisms and pathogenic microorganisms,” says Maureen Sullivan, DDS, Chief, Department of Dentistry & Maxillofacial Prosthetics. “The next crucial step is to identify and evaluate the role pathogenic oral microorganisms may play in causing cancer, work that our team at RPCI is currently investigating.”

Money Worries Part of Cancer Burden

Four out of five cancer patients and their spouse-caregivers report they suffer stress and worry about finances relating to their cancer treatment and these worries were tied to poorer physical and mental health, according to findings presented at a recent meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

As stress about finances persisted, anxiety and depression rose and quality of life, and physical and mental health declined. Facing “unexpected costs” was particularly troubling. Participants identified a range of concerns, big and small, including:

Parking and hotel accommodations

Transportation to appointments, gas and mileage

Insurance coverage, or lack thereof

Losing job or ability to work

Bankruptcy

Providing for loved ones after death

“Our Psychosocial Oncology Team can offer support and guidance,” says Rosa A. Scrivani, LCSW-R, Psychosocial Oncology Director. “We can link patients and their families to community services and our clinical social workers and medical psychologists are devoted to addressing the social, environmental, and emotional impact of cancer.” To learn more about our services and programs, contact the Psychosocial Oncology Department at 716-845-8022.

The Latest Research Accelerated by Your Gifts

Thanks to generous donations to Roswell Park in 2011, 22 new, promising research programs were recently awarded grants to ensure our scientists can continue pursuing new ways of fighting cancer. Here are just a few examples of the recently funded research:

Using vitamin D in combination with a common cancer drug known as erlotinib to fight lung cancer;

Determining if the presence of certain genetic pathways can make cancer cells more resistant to therapy, and if ‘turning off’ those gene signals can make cancer cells more susceptible to treatment;

Studying how the immune system’s power can be used to more effectively destroy ovarian cancer cells;

And exploring why certain hormone receptors and genetic pathways may make breast cancer cells resistant to treatment, and how to overcome that resistance.

On behalf of every scientist at Roswell Park, thank you for your generous support and dedication to our mission to understand, prevent and cure cancer.

Partners for a Cure

Subway and Coca-Cola

Thanks to the generosity of two of our Partners for a Cure, supporting cancer research at Roswell Park is as easy as going out to lunch! Stop by any Western New York Subway location from now until August 7 to purchase a pin-up card for $1. Your card will be proudly displayed on the walls of your favorite Subway location, and your donation will have a direct impact at Roswell Park. Plus, every pin-up card donation comes with a coupon good for $1 off a foot-long sub when you purchase a drink!